Young sci-fi fans and wannabe film stars queued for hours in the rain for a chance to be cast in the new Star Wars movie.

The franchise is to be revived with a seventh film due to go into production next year directed by Star Trek film-maker JJ Abrams, for release in 2015.

Auditions began today in Bristol - the first of several sessions across the country - for the casting of two characters which fans believe could be for the next episode of the series created by George Lucas.

Film company Disney, which bought production company Lucasfilm a year ago, is looking to fill the roles for a ''major Hollywood movie''.

It is searching for a ''street smart'' actress over 16 and a ''smart, capable'' 18-plus male, with both expected to be attractive and athletic.